I wrote recently about why you should use WordPress for your author website. Now allow me to recommend some themes that might work for you. But first, let me make sure you’re in the right place: #1. You are not a celebrity If you are, then you can make a totally personalized expensive website with
For the last couple of years I’ve been helping authors market books. But I haven’t really offered book marketing services. That’s because the best marketing is done by you. There are some things you can outsource, and you could pay for advertising or promotions, but real, long-term, successful, author platform building...
I spent months working on my first novel. When I was halfway finished, I sent email queries to some literary agents, and got a few positive emails back and even a phone call based on my pitch. But the project festered, I couldn’t wrap it up, I didn’t know how to develop it. I
This is an older post, but my position is unchanged: I’ve even seen this strategy adopted from people with large platforms: Get the ebook out quick, make sure it sells and leave time to fix stray typos, or unclear passages (edit/add depending on reader feedback and reviews. THEN make a very nice, perfect print book
I almost, but then didn’t, start writing a novel this November. I’ve got way too much to do. But I did hire two writers to work on my book ideas for me, which is thrilling. And I want to do something fun to participate in the NaNoWrimo movement – which is a huge and
My last post was grumpy. I don’t like being negative and grumpy… But I often find, when I am, some people understand exactly what I’m going through. And I don’t want to shy away from critical, important issues just because they’re uncomfortable or negative. And I’m a Capricorn (on the cusp with...
Today on Facebook I saw a post about the Awesome Indies website, which just relaunched with a new design. I support indie authors and want them to succeed, and I like the idea of indie authors grouping together and doing cool things. The intention Awesome Indies is noble: lots of people are publishing crappy books.
Over the last couple of years my mission has been to improve the quality standard for self-published book covers, and after helping thousands of indie authors, I know I’m making a dent. But authors still face two huge challenges: author marketing, and having a decent author website. Although I talk a lot about book marketing,
Gearing up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month?) Great! It’s a fun and challenging opportunity to be part of a huge community of writers learning how to complete 50,000 words in one month. If you’re stuck, or can’t seem to finish anything, or always put off writing your book, it’s a great experience. However...
I just saw on Facebook that Tom Corson Knowles has put together a package of videos and guides to help you become a bestseller. I got to hang out with Tom last summer in Portland, then again in Vancouver BC, and he’s one of my role-models. That’s because he published over a dozen books in
When I was putting together my ebook “100 Publishing Questions Answered” someone asked me for a list of the best blogs and websites for indie and self-publishing authors. I didn’t have one handy, so I thought I should make my own. However I decided NOT to make a curated list. Which means, instead of trying
I’ve done a handful of author websites but don’t do them often (since I prefer book covers). But your author website is a big piece of your sales funnel, so soon I’m going to be doing a case-study where I makeover 5 author’s WordPress websites – which range from ugly to mediocre – to see
